Background & Symptoms
The measles virus recently resurfaced in Québec and cases have been reported in the Montreal area. Given the growing number of cases, the highly contagious nature of the virus and the potential severity of the disease, the Direction régionale de santé publique de Montréal wishes to reiterate that vaccination is the best way to protect yourself and others!
Make sure you are up-to-date on your measles vaccine.
Who is protected against measles?
Adults born before 1970
Those who have serology showing antibodies to measles
Those who have had diagnostic testing confirming they have had measles (e.g., NAAT, serology)
Those who have a medical certificate confirming they had measles prior to January 1, 1996
Those who have written proof of measles vaccination. The number of doses required for people to be considered protected varies:
Did you know that…
Measles is a highly contagious disease and can, in some cases, be very serious. Up to 90% of those who are not protected for measles can develop the disease if they come into contact with a person who is infected.
The groups most at-risk are:
Young children
Pregnant women
People with weakened immune systems
It is possible to become infected and to develop the disease without being in direct contact with someone who has measles. For example, you can get measles just by being in the same room as someone who is infected, even if it’s just for a short time.
